Telangana: TV journalist attacked in biryani row

Hyderabad: TV journalist A. Indrasen was attacked by the owner of a biryani shop and two other persons, who claimed to be associates of a Saroornagar Corporator. Mr Indrasen purchased biryani from the Modern Rytu Chicken Bazaar (MRCB), but found the rice to be of poor quality. When he returned to the shop to complain, he was assaulted. A constable tried to intervene but the trio abused him too. The police have registered a case.

On Friday night, Mr Indrasen purchased a packet of chicken biryani from MRCB. After reaching home, he opened the packet and found the rice had a plastic texture. “I took some rice, made it into a ball, and hit it on the plate. I was shocked to see that it bounced back,” he said. Mr Indrasen took the packet to the shop. Shop owner Srinivas began abusing Mr Indrasen. He called Mohammed Saleem, a businessman, and Rishi, a civil engineer. The three men, who claimed to be aides of Saroornagar Corporator P. Anitha Reddy, assaulted the journalist, says the plaint.

“As soon as I dialled 100, the police arrived at the spot. But the trio misbehaved with them and abused them as well,” Mr Indrasen said. The three were taken to the police station, and Mr Indrasen and the constable, Santosh, filed complaints against them. They have been charged with voluntarily causing hurt, wrongful restraint, and obstructing a public servant from discharging his duties.

Meanwhile, Corporator P. Anitha Reddy condemned the incident. She said that though the men may have been her followers, their involvement in such activities was not acceptable. She asked the police to take strict action against the accused. “We will take the issue up with party seniors and initiate disciplinary action against them,” she said.